New mothers living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are less likely to experience postpartum depression, a new study indicates. They also are more likely to breastfeed their newborns. “By increasing mothers’ ability to breastfeed and reducing postpartum-depressive symptoms, strong state paid family and medical leave laws provide a major boost… read on > read on >
The timing of a simple, standard part of childbirth could mean the difference between life and death for premature babies, a pair of new evidence reviews have concluded. Preemies whose umbilical cords are clamped 30 seconds to two minutes after birth are less likely to die before leaving the hospital, compared to those whose cords… read on > read on >
Record numbers of children and tweens now take melatonin for sleep, potentially doing harm to their development, a new study warns. Nearly one in five school-aged kids are popping melatonin to help them rest, often with the help of their parents, researchers reported in the Nov. 13 issue of the journal JAMA Pediatrics. But safety… read on > read on >
Air pollution could be harming the development of children, reaching into the womb to alter their healthy growth, a new study reports. Researchers say certain air pollutants appear to negatively alter a specific measure of prenatal exposure to hormones. “These findings suggest air pollution may interfere with normal hormone activity during critical periods of prenatal… read on > read on >
Pesticide exposure appears to be linked to lower sperm concentrations in men around the world, a new large-scale evidence review has concluded. A review of 25 studies spanning nearly 50 years found consistent links between lower sperm concentrations and two widely used classes of insecticides, organophosphates and N-methyl carbamates, researchers said. “This review is the… read on > read on >
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 15, 2023 Chalk up a surprising benefit to government housing assistance. Breast cancer screening is higher among some low-income women who get government help with housing compared to those who do not, new research shows. “Receiving housing assistance has been associated with several positive health outcomes and health behaviors in past research, and… read on > read on >
Children stricken with influenza aren’t receiving the flu-busting antiviral drug Tamiflu even though it’s recommended for them, a new study says. Three of five children with the flu aren’t prescribed Tamiflu, researchers report online Nov. 13 in the journal Pediatrics. “We found that young children, less than 5 years old and especially those 2 years… read on > read on >
TUESDAY, Nov. 14, 2023 (Healthday News) — Doctors need to be on the lookout for lead poisoning in children as the latest tally of kids exposed to the toxin after consuming pouches of cinnamon-flavored apple puree climbed to 22, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. In a health advisory the agency sent out… read on > read on >
The Thanksgiving table is typically loaded down with turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and all kinds of pie, but nutritionists say kids should also be encouraged to eat fresh fruit and vegetables during the holiday meal. Precious few children eat enough fruits and vegetables the rest of the year, so the Academy of Nutrition and… read on > read on >
FRIDAY, Nov. 10, 2023 (Healthday News) — Two federal health agencies are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to dog food that has sickened seven people in seven states, nearly all of them infants. On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of Victor Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food, a brand tied to the outbreak,… read on > read on >
